Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

There’s something truly magical about this Christmas Chex Mix recipe that brings the whole holiday spirit right into your kitchen. It combines sweet, salty, crunchy, and minty flavors all in one festive snack that’s perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just munching by the fire. I love whipping up a batch every season because it’s super easy and instantly makes my gatherings feel cozier.

If you’re looking for a snack that’s vibrant, colorful, and totally crave-worthy, you’ll find yourself coming back to this Christmas Chex Mix recipe again and again. It’s the kind of treat that kids and adults alike can enjoy, and the peppermint twist adds that special holiday flair that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a holiday staple in your home too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Christmas Chex Mix recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. When you gather everything, you’re layering crunchy cereals with festive candy and seasonal peppermint to create a snack mix you’ll be proud to share.

• Rice Chex cereal: Light and crispy, it serves as the perfect crunchy base without overwhelming the taste.
• Wheat Chex cereal: Adds a slightly nuttier flavor and a nice color contrast.
• Bugles brand snack chips: Their unique horn shape is fun and adds a salty crunch that I always look forward to.
• Sourdough pretzel nibblers: I love the tangy depth and sturdy crunch they bring, especially from the Snyders of Hanover brand.
• White chocolate candy melts: The sweet coating ties everything together and gives that smooth, festive coating.
• Mini M&M’s candies (Christmas red and green variety): These add color and a little chocolate bite, making the mix look as fun as it tastes.
• Starlight peppermint candies: Crushed finely, they deliver a refreshing mint burst that’s so holiday-appropriate.
• Nonpareil sprinkles (red, white, and green holiday blend): This finishing touch makes the mix extra festive—plus, they add a slight crunch and color pop.

Variations

One of the best things about this Christmas Chex Mix recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve played around with different add-ins and tweaks depending on mood or dietary needs, and it always turns out delightful.

• Nut-Free Version: I swap out any nut-containing mix-ins for extra pretzels or crunchy cereals. It’s perfect for serving at classrooms or big family events without worry.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free white chocolate melts or skip the coating altogether and just toss with peppermint and sprinkles.
• Extra Chocolatey: Sometimes I drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the finished mix for a double-chocolate holiday indulgence.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of chili powder to the white chocolate melt gives a surprising festive warmth.

How to Make Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Ingredients

Before you start, set out all your ingredients on the counter—you’ll want everything measured and ready to go, especially the white chocolate melts because they melt quickly. For the peppermint candies, unwrap them and crush finely using a rolling pin or a sturdy pan. It’s best to do this inside a sealed bag so you avoid any peppermint dust mess.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Bugles, and sourdough pretzels. I like to gently stir them with a big wooden spoon so I don’t crush the Bugles or pretzel nibblers. This mixture is the crunchy backbone of your Christmas Chex Mix recipe.

Step 3: Melt and Coat with White Chocolate

Melt your white chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between to avoid burning. Once smooth, pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and toss gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated. Don’t rush this—mixing too aggressively will break your mix into crumbs.

Step 4: Add Peppermint, M&M’s, and Sprinkles

While the chocolate is still slightly soft, sprinkle your crushed Starlight peppermint candies, mini M&M’s, and nonpareil sprinkles over the top. I recommend folding these in gently so you get an even distribution without melting the candies.

Step 5: Let It Set

Transfer the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it out so it cools evenly. Let it sit at room temperature until the white chocolate hardens—about 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, you can pop it briefly in the fridge, but be careful not to get condensation.

How to Serve Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some extra nonpareil sprinkles over the top right before serving—it keeps that cheerful holiday vibe alive. Sometimes a few fresh peppermint leaves or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation if I’m gifting the mix.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Chex Mix recipe pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or even festive cocktails. If you’re serving it at a party, I love placing a bowl beside a cheese and charcuterie board for guests to nibble on between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to put this Chex Mix in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons—it doubles as a tasty party favor. Another fun presentation is layering it in a glass trifle bowl to show off all the colorful layers, making it as festive on the eye as on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the mix nice and crunchy for up to a week, though I have to admit—it rarely lasts that long in my house! Make sure the container seals well because any air can make the mix lose its crispiness.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for a larger party, freezing works surprisingly well. I pop it into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. The texture stays mostly the same, which is a huge bonus during busy holiday prep.

Reheating

Since this Christmas Chex Mix is best enjoyed at room temp, I don’t recommend reheating it like you would with a warm snack. If your mix feels a little soft, just let it sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes and it’ll regain that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chex Mix recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions. It’s easy, festive, and brings a little joy with every crunchy, minty bite. If you want a snack that’s both fun and flexible to suit your taste, this is definitely a winner. I hope you try it out and end up loving it as much as I do—it’s like holiday magic in a bowl you can share with everyone you love.

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